Our Services
Leave a Message
Please fill in the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Litigation and Court Representation
Our bilingual litigation team is here to navigate the complexities of the Thai legal system for you, from business disputes to criminal defense and emergency bail.
Receiving a court summons or being called for questioning by the police in a foreign country can be an incredibly daunting experience. The language barrier, unfamiliar procedures, and cultural differences create a wall of uncertainty. Whether you are an expatriate facing a business dispute, an investor dealing with regulatory issues, or a foreigner arrested for a criminal offense, you need a legal partner who understands both the law and your unique situation.
At JIRAWAT & ASSOCIATES, we are a “Litigation-First” boutique law firm. This means our core expertise is representing clients in court. We specialize in demystifying the Thai legal process for foreigners, providing clear communication in both English and Thai, and developing robust legal strategies to defend your interests.
We are more than just legal advisors; we are your advocates in the Thai justice system. From emergency bail applications and police interviews to courtroom trials and appeals, our team is prepared to stand by your side, ensuring your rights are protected at every turn.
Navigating the Thai Legal System Can Be Overwhelming. We Understand.
If you’re an expatriate or foreigner facing a legal issue in Thailand, your concerns are unique and valid. You’re likely worried about more than just the case itself. Questions like “Will I be understood correctly?”, “What are my rights?”, “How does the bail process for foreigners work?”, and “Will this affect my visa status?” are common and critical.
Common legal challenges for foreigners in Thailand often include traffic accidents, drug offenses, and immigration issues like visa overstays, each carrying serious consequences. For business owners, contractual disputes or labor issues can be complicated by a legal framework that is vastly different from your home country.
A misstep due to a language barrier or a lack of understanding of local procedures can have severe repercussions, including financial loss, damage to your reputation, visa revocation, or even imprisonment. Having a “High-Touch, Bilingual, Court-Ready” team on your side from the very beginning is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
From Confusion to Clarity. From Uncertainty to a Strategic Defense.
Our mission is to transform your experience with the Thai legal system from one of fear and confusion into a clear, manageable process. We bridge the cultural and linguistic gaps to ensure you are always informed, empowered, and effectively represented.
- Clarity in Two Languages: We explain every step of the process, your legal options, and potential outcomes in clear English, ensuring you are never in the dark.
- Strategic Action: Our team analyzes your case from every angle, developing a defense strategy tailored to the nuances of Thai law and your specific circumstances.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a dedicated, court-ready team handling your case allows you to focus on your life and business. We manage the complexities, from liaising with authorities and embassies to securing your timely release on bail.
For an expatriate, effective legal representation means more than just winning a case. It means protecting your ability to live and work in Thailand, safeguarding your investments, and ensuring your freedom. We provide that comprehensive protection.
Comprehensive Litigation Services for the International Community
Our practice areas are designed to cover the most critical legal challenges faced by foreigners and international businesses in Thailand. We provide expert court representation across a spectrum of legal fields. For a full list of our practice areas, please click here
The litigation team at JIRAWAT & ASSOCIATES is experienced in representing local and international clients across a wide spectrum of legal disputes in Thailand’s Courts of Justice, Administrative Courts, and specialized tribunals.
Civil Litigation
Commercial and Business Disputes
Family and Succession Law
Real Estate Disputes
Intellectual Property Disputes
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Matters
Consumer Protection Cases
Medical Malpractice and Healthcare Liability
Labour and Employment Disputes
Criminal Defense & Bail Services
- General Criminal Defense: Covering offenses such as assault, theft, fraud, and embezzlement.
- Drug Offenses: Offering expert legal representation in cases prosecuted under Thailand’s Narcotics Code.
- Traffic Accidents and Insurance Claims: Assisting with litigation arising from traffic accidents and handling disputes with insurance companies.
24/7 Emergency Bail Application: We understand that securing pre-trial release is a top priority. Our team is on standby to coordinate with police stations and courts to file bail applications swiftly. We provide clear guidance on required documents, collateral (surety), and the entire process for foreigners.
White-Collar Crime
- Fraud, Public Deception, and Embezzlement
- Offenses under the Computer-Related Crime Act
- Cases involving the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLO)
- Cases concerning offenses under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) (such as nominee shareholder cases, etc.).
Administrative & Tax Litigation
- Administrative Law: We specialize in challenging unlawful administrative orders, claiming damages from state officials, and handling disputes over public contracts.
- Our firm’s founder, Jirawat Leelawanich, has been formally invited by Global Law Experts as the Recommended Lawyer in Administrative Law for Thailand for 2025, a testament to our recognized expertise in this field.
- Tax Litigation: We represent clients in disputing tax assessments and litigating cases in the Central Tax Court.
Immigration-Related Issues for Foreigners
How We Work Your 5-Step Path to Resolution
- Confidential Case Review: We start with a thorough consultation to understand the facts of your case and your objectives.
- Evidence & Strategy Formulation: Our team gathers all relevant evidence and develops a clear, strategic plan for your defense or claim.
- Clear Communication: We present you with all available legal options, explaining the pros and cons of each in plain English.
- Courtroom & Negotiation Representation: We act as your powerful advocate in all proceedings, from negotiations and mediation to trial.
- Post-Judgment Guidance: We continue to advise you on the next steps after a court decision, including appeals or enforcement actions.
Understanding the Thai Court Process
To help you prepare, here is a simplified overview of the typical timelines for civil and criminal cases in Thailand.
Simplified Civil Case Timeline Filing a Complaint → Service of Summons → Filing a Defense → Mediation/Issues Setting → Witness Examination → Judgment → Appeal → Enforcement
Simplified Criminal Case Timeline Police Investigation (Arrest/Charges) → Public Prosecutor Review → Indictment Filed with Court → Bail Application → Plea Hearing → Witness Examination → Judgment → Appeal
Civil Litigation
Key Difference | Civil Proceedings | Criminal Proceedings |
|---|---|---|
Initiating Party | Private individual or company (Plaintiff) | The State (Public Prosecutor) or the victim |
Burden of Proof | Preponderance of Evidence | Beyond a Reasonable Doubt |
Potential Outcome | Financial compensation, specific action | Penalties (fine, imprisonment, asset forfeiture) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Remain calm and polite. State clearly that you wish to contact your lawyer and your embassy. Do not sign any documents you do not understand and exercise your right to remain silent until your legal counsel is present.
A bail application must be submitted to the court. The judge considers factors like the severity of the charge, flight risk, and your ties to Thailand (e.g., work permit, family, property). Assets like cash, Thai property titles, or a credible Thai guarantor can be used as security.
Do not leave the scene. Contact the police and your insurance company immediately. Avoid admitting fault and contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected, especially if there are injuries involved.
Overstaying is a serious offense. If you surrender yourself, you face a daily fine (up to a maximum of 20,000 THB) and a ban from re-entering Thailand (from 1 to 10 years, depending on the length of overstay). If you are arrested for overstay, the ban is much stricter (5 to 10 years).
We offer transparent and flexible fee structures, including flat-fee arrangements for the entire case and hourly rates, depending on the complexity and nature of your case. All fees are discussed and agreed upon upfront.
Internationally Recognized Expertise
Don't Let a Legal Issue Derail Your Life in Thailand.
Taking swift, informed action is the best way to protect yourself. Let our experienced, bilingual team guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.
Transparent and Fair Legal Fees
We believe in clear communication, especially when it comes to costs. We provide a transparent fee proposal after our initial case assessment, allowing you to make an informed decision. Our services are available on both a fixed-fee and hourly basis to provide flexibility and suit the needs of our international clients.
We offer flexible billing structures to suit your needs:
- Fixed Fees: For cases with a clearly defined scope and process, a fixed fee provides you with certainty about the total cost from the outset.
- Hourly Rates: Ideal for ongoing consultation or cases where the duration is unpredictable. We provide regular, detailed breakdowns of all work performed.
We will discuss and agree upon the most suitable fee structure for your case before any work begins.
Our Commitment to You
- Absolute Confidentiality: Your case details are protected by strict attorney-client privilege. We handle every matter with the utmost discretion.
- Clarity Before Commitment: We provide a clear explanation of your legal options and our proposed strategy before you engage our services.
- Dedicated Attention: We limit our caseload to ensure every client receives the focused, high-touch service they deserve.
- Full Bilingual Support: Our team ensures seamless communication between you, our Thai lawyers, and the authorities, eliminating the risk of misunderstanding.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for any specific situation. You should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We do not guarantee the outcome of any case.
Contact Us
- Phone : 0932514500
- Line : JIRAWAT LAW
- Email : jirawat@jirawatlaw.co.th
Business hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.